The general election takes place in 12 days. On the ballot are candidates for federal, state and local offices.
Sunday night I sat down with my mail-in ballot and read through the list of names.
Many I recognize due to my job as a reporter. I attend a lot of meetings and meet quite a few people.
The voting task brought up memories of a college class I took decades ago. We discussed presidential elections and characteristics voters most highly coveted in a candidate.
Character is highest on the list and, more importantly, several personality traits that indicate how this person will do in a public job.
Is the person ambitious? Do they really want the job leading our state, our school boards or our cities?
Are they confident?
Possess the drive and energy for public office?
What is their goal?
Can they be a good team player while being flexible and, more importantly, can they serve in the capacity and still be a kind person?
Kindness seems to be a trait that’s missing in today’s elections.
Mark Twain said, “Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
To me that means kindness is on display with everyone, not just with friends or family or when out in the public.
It’s about being considerate to someone who thinks you’re wrong, being that diplomat when there is a conflict, the one who seeks a solution, rather than being the one who always asks the questions or wants to create turmoil.
A good candidate should be prepared, know what the job entails, be able to bring focus to a variety of possible solutions and be rule-abiding.
All of our elected offices have procedures to follow. Blatant disregard for these rules leads to stagnation in the job which they were elected to fill.
It doesn’t matter which position a candidate is seeking for election. They need to educate themselves on the job.
Even candidates at the local level need to have a personality in which they are imaginative and curious about new and inventive ways to solve issues.
Some of those decisions won’t be popular. Can the candidates for office graciously explain why they may have voted a way that one may think was wrong?
I encourage you, candidates, to exercise a little kindness if the general election results don’t go your way.
Thanks for putting your name out there for consideration. We need more people who are willing to serve – with kindness – for all the right reasons.